Help - G1 Megatron nabbed by customs

[Oilspill]

I just bought a G1 Megs (actually it was the Collection version from 2003) but it has been seized by customs, in NSW, (under subsection 203B(2)).

I thought that there were no issues importing Megatron toys in to WA? I'm sure I remembered reading that back when Masterpiece Megs came out, but I can't find the thread now.

Does anyone have any info on whether it is allowed in WA or not? I've tried searching www.customs.gov.au (http://www.customs.gov.au) but haven't found anything specific. The seizure notice says it is prohibited by Regulation 4F, schedule 6, item number 9A - but I can't find that anywhere.

The seizure notice is kind of scary, it says that if you want to make a claim for your item, it will automatically mean customs need to commence legal proceedings, which can be costly and customs will seek to recover legal costs from you.

Anyway, I think it may have been incorrectly seized, as I thought it was allowed in WA, but it sounds like making a claim could be difficult and possibly expensive.

Any help much appreciated!

[Ultra Mackness]

This link should take you to the relevant regulation. I'm having trouble scrolling it on my iPad so try viewing it on a pc

http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2012C00724/Html/Text#_Toc337213590

Some others here would know the specifics better than I do (and they vary state to state) but as I understand it, if you can establish that you are a collector and that the item you are/were trying to import is a part of said collection, then for imitation firearms (the specific category that G1 Megs falls under) you can obtain from your state's police chief permission to import said item. You could also get more info here:

http://www.ag.gov.au/CrimeAndCorruption/Firearms/Importingfirearms/Pages/Imitationfirearms.aspx

I'm not sure if you can get permission retrospectively, but you may be able to. Good luck!

[Tober]

Interesting, first I've heard of G1 Megatron being seized. It does however fit the criteria for a 'replica firearm'.

From what I vaguely remember, Megs is illegal on a federal level, but not within WA. So customs outside of WA would seize it.

[GoktimusPrime]

Megatron is perfectly legal in WA, but as Tober said, Customs is a Federal body, so they'll still confiscate the toy if they intercept it.

You need to obtain a Form B1709A, Importation of Firearms - Police and Certification permit from the WA Police Firearms Division. Once you've done that, Customs will release the toy to you (you might want to ask if this means them sending the toy to you, or if you have to go and physically collect it yourself from Customs (in which case you'll need to make time to do so)).

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/Ourservices/PoliceLicensingServices/Firearms/tabid/1802/Default.aspx
http://megatron.net.au/MC_Masterpiece_MP05_WA.htm

Email: LicensingServicesFirearms@police.wa.gov.au
Postal Address: 297 Hay Street, East Perth WA 6004.
Phone: 1300 171 011
Fax: (08) 9223 7044

[BigTransformerTrev]

Wow - that really sucks man! First I've ever heard of a G1 Megs getting sized as well.

A tip for the future that I used. I had friends getting their Masterpiece Megatron's from Japan (the ones without the orange caps on the end of their barrels - that seems to be the issue. Like in America all replica guns need to have an orange cap on the barrel so that cops don't think kids have a real gun and shoot them by mistake) confiscated under the 'replica firearms' law. So when I got mine imported I had the sender Transform him into robot mode, and then send the instruction booklet and box separately. That way unless the immigration guy was a Transformers aficionado he wouldn't know the purpose of the toy robot. Worked a treat!

[Tober]

"You cannot legislate against wrongful encouragement."

. . . Mark E. Smith - The Fall

.

[Sworc]

I purchased Encore Megs from HLJ not too long after it was released (2006/07?).

Was seized by customs and got a similar letter, although don't remember it being as dramatic as yours. More along the lines that if I wanted it I had to provide the appropriate paperwork from SAPOL.

Can't remember the exact procedure, but involved contacting the firearms branch and filling out a little paper work and writing a letter requesting permission to collect it.

Wasn't a problem but the person I picked up the release form from told me it would be better to contact them first next time and that the laws may change in the future, which I think they subsequently have in SA.

Then had to make a time with customs to go see them and have it released to me. Apart from a bit of running around it was all done pretty quickly and everyone I dealt with was really helpful.

I think the replica gun laws are tighter now and more in line with NSW/Vic.

[Bidoofdude]

That's tough. I think you should be able to get it back. Best of luck!:D
I'll have to be careful when the eventual purchase of a G1 or Encore Megatron comes to pass. Probably will be a while though.:D

[GoktimusPrime]

Wow - that really sucks man! First I've ever heard of a G1 Megs getting sized as well.

A tip for the future that I used. I had friends getting their Masterpiece Megatron's from Japan (the ones without the orange caps on the end of their barrels - that seems to be the issue. Like in America all replica guns need to have an orange cap on the barrel so that cops don't think kids have a real gun and shoot them by mistake) confiscated under the 'replica firearms' law. So when I got mine imported I had the sender Transform him into robot mode, and then send the instruction booklet and box separately. That way unless the immigration guy was a Transformers aficionado he wouldn't know the purpose of the toy robot. Worked a treat!
That old trick isn't as reliable as it used to be, because in 2007 Australian Customs worked out how to identify Megatron in robot mode (because that's how MP Megatron is packaged). Any Gunformers that may have slipped past Customs in robot mode since then may have been more due to luck I'd say.


I purchased Encore Megs from HLJ not too long after it was released (2006/07?).

Was seized by customs and got a similar letter,
Encore Megatron was released in August 2007, so by that time Customs was experienced in detecting and confiscating Megatron toys.


Wasn't a problem but the person I picked up the release form from told me it would be better to contact them first next time and that the laws may change in the future, which I think they subsequently have in SA.
If there have been any changes in SA laws, the Megatron Club doesn't appear to have been informed. Their site still states that it is legal to own it in SA, but not legal to import.
http://megatron.net.au/MC_Masterpiece_MP05_SA.htm
If anyone has any new information, I'd recommend contacting the Club so they can update their site info. :)


I think the replica gun laws are tighter now and more in line with NSW/Vic.
NSW and VIC have very different laws about it. In VIC it's just outright illegal to own or import, in NSW it's legal with a permit.
http://megatron.net.au/MC_Masterpiece_MP05_VIC.htm
http://megatron.net.au/MC_Masterpiece_MP05_NSW.htm

[theshape]

Good to see our tax dollars are well spent on keeping Australia safe :confused:

[GoktimusPrime]

Good to see our tax dollars are well spent on keeping Australia safe :confused:
Unfortunately there have been instances where people have threatened others with replica guns. As usual it's always a stupid minority who have to go and ruin it for everyone else. :(

Examples from NSW (http://www.publicdefenders.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/pdo/public_defenders_rob_armed_single.html):
25/7/1994 = replica pistol used to hold up clerk taking business takings to bank.
11/12/1995 = replica pistol used to rob bank taking $5650
1999 = 2 co-offenders entered video shop wearing balaclavas. Pointed replica pistol at victim and demanded money. $600 plus money and credit card taken.
15/5/2002 = pointed replica gun at 17 year old schoolboy and searched schoolbag for mobile phone
30/11/2004 = Replica pistol used to rob manager of club with co-offender, three employees bound, video tapes removed and $81,000 stolen
30/8/2005 = Replica gun used by gang who entered an elderly couple's home and stole the woman's handbag

...and these are just the more serious criminal offences. There would be lots more examples of minor offences involving replica firearms too.

[Ultra Mackness]

Actually Gok things changed half way through 2011 in Victoria check out the links in post 2:

http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=11667

[GoktimusPrime]

Cool bananas! :D

[Demonac]

Unfortunately there have been instances where people have threatened others with replica guns. As usual it's always a stupid minority who have to go and ruin it for everyone else. :(

25/7/1994 = replica pistol used to hold up clerk taking business takings to bank.
11/12/1995 = replica pistol used to rob bank taking $5650
1999 = 2 co-offenders entered video shop wearing balaclavas. Pointed replica pistol at victim and demanded money. $600 plus money and credit card taken.
15/5/2002 = pointed replica gun at 17 year old schoolboy and searched schoolbag for mobile phone
30/11/2004 = Replica pistol used to rob manager of club with co-offender, three employees bound, video tapes removed and $81,000 stolen
30/8/2005 = Replica gun used by gang who entered an elderly couple's home and stole the woman's handbag

...and these are just the more serious criminal offences. There would be lots more examples of minor offences involving replica firearms too.

6 offences in 19 years. Yep, a real threat to our safety.
How many people were slashed with a knife? or a glass bottle?
Yet those actual weapons are legal.

[Oilspill]

Cheers for the info guys. I'll contact the WA police firearms division to see if I can get the license.

I haven't found that B1709A form online, so I've emailed them as to how I can get my hands on it.

I'm hoping it will apply retroactively so customs don't incinerate Megs - that's no way for the big guy to go!

[theshape]

"Wait...I still function! "

[griffin]

6 offences in 19 years. Yep, a real threat to our safety.
How many people were slashed with a knife? or a glass bottle?
Yet those actual weapons are legal.

Bottles can't be outlawed (except in controlled areas like sports stadiums), and knives are mostly only a threat in close space (have you ever heard on the news of someone throwing one instead of stabbing/slashing).
Guns are a threat from a distance (or across a counter in a store or bank), and the threat only needs to be potential... like nuclear weapons. The threat is there IF they are used, so the possession is just as serious as using them.
There might be a lot more instances that aren't publicised or known to be replicas... as I'm sure that people being robbed at gun-point don't go to the trouble of verifying that the gun is a real weapon.
Prohibiting something doesn't mean it is a common threat... nor should a crime become a common threat before it should be outlawed, as victims of crime (no matter how few there are) would advocate a preventative measure if there is one that doesn't require much in the way of resources to implement.

[Autocon]

The airport therefore customs is on federal land..I never stopped to think about that. Would it be better to import through air or water?


Hope you get your megs!!!

[Jetfire in the sky]

Unfortunately there have been instances where people have threatened others with replica guns. As usual it's always a stupid minority who have to go and ruin it for everyone else. :(

Examples from NSW (http://www.publicdefenders.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/pdo/public_defenders_rob_armed_single.html):
25/7/1994 = replica pistol used to hold up clerk taking business takings to bank.
11/12/1995 = replica pistol used to rob bank taking $5650
1999 = 2 co-offenders entered video shop wearing balaclavas. Pointed replica pistol at victim and demanded money. $600 plus money and credit card taken.
15/5/2002 = pointed replica gun at 17 year old schoolboy and searched schoolbag for mobile phone
30/11/2004 = Replica pistol used to rob manager of club with co-offender, three employees bound, video tapes removed and $81,000 stolen
30/8/2005 = Replica gun used by gang who entered an elderly couple's home and stole the woman's handbag

...and these are just the more serious criminal offences. There would be lots more examples of minor offences involving replica firearms too.

The thing is a Replica won't kill or wound someone like the tonnes of handguns smuggled in illegally in various ways every year :mad::mad:

[griffin]

It's unfortunate that people have used that in the past as an excuse to claim that replica weapons shouldn't be restricted or prohibited... without understanding how replica weapons are still able to achieve the same result of a real weapon in burglaries and muggings. (as a trained criminologist, I know that you need to be mindful of the mentality of an offender, to realise that a perceived threat can be just as effective as a legitimate threat)
Despite people not using them to kill or wound, the robberies they make possible leave people traumatised and often out-of-pocket of whatever was stolen. The ability to commit a serious offence, with or without violence, makes owning a replica weapon (toy or not) a big responsibility.

How would people here feel, if their Gen1 Megatron was stolen and you found out it was used to rob someone. What if that person died of a heart attack from the fright, or they were on a tight budget and couldn't afford to have money or possessions taken off them.
We may laugh at the thought of a Gen1 Megatron fooling anyone (in a well lit collection room), but when you are looking down the barrel of something that looks like a gun, in the dark, you don't ask if it is a real weapon or if it is loaded.
A replica weapon is the same as an unloaded real weapon - they still achieve the same result in a burglary/mugging as a loaded real weapon.

[Trent]

The thing is a Replica won't kill or wound someone like the tonnes of handguns smuggled in illegally in various ways every year :mad::mad:

Doesn't matter. My wife works with someone that used to be a bank teller. The bank was robbed one day, they held a gun to her head, actually put the gun against her head! And demanded the money from the desk. While they were doing this, they were taunting her, calling her fat and saying that they'd be doing the world a favor if they shot her. These people were never caught.

After the police reviewed the footage they said that the gun put to her head was probably a replica. Do you think that matters to her? The trauma that she went through and nightmares and therapy sessions (which she still attends, a good 17 years after the event) should just magically have vanished with the realization that it was probably a replica?? Do you think I should tell her to get over it so you can get a Megatron toy a bit easier?

No. We have these laws for a reason. Yes, that reason is the f$&@%d up minority that ruin it for people like us. But to say that because it won't kill or wound anyone, therefore should be legal, is a rather narrow minded and selfish view.

[Jetfire in the sky]

Hey I'm not saying it's good that people may use replica's to hold someone up, if you knew my background then you would know I am more than well aware of the mental anguish of the threat of death perceived or real from any means.
I'm more pointing out the fact that customs are great at stopping toys and/or replicas which honest people will post through the mail, but not so good when it comes to stopping the real thing that is constantly used in Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne to kill people. God relax guys. Megatron was available all around Australia over the counter for years.

[Jetfire in the sky]

But to say that because it won't kill or wound anyone, therefore should be legal, is a rather narrow minded and selfish view.
I can't see where I have typed that.

[Cat]

I remember when a whole pallet of MP Megs got held by Customs.

The dealer was ready to write the whole thing off, but they eventually got released.

I'd simply say that while I would appeal, you may have a hard time claiming ignorance when the toy was not allowed to be sold here originally anyway.

It may be a write-off, and you may be very lucky that confiscation is all that happens.

[Trent]

Hey I'm not saying it's good that people may use replica's to hold someone up, if you knew my background then you would know I am more than well aware of the mental anguish of the threat of death perceived or real from any means.
I'm more pointing out the fact that customs are great at stopping toys and/or replicas which honest people will post through the mail, but not so good when it comes to stopping the real thing that is constantly used in Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne to kill people. God relax guys. Megatron was available all around Australia over the counter for years.

That's probably because the toys we buy are packed and shipped in a normal and honest fashion, thus making them easy to detect by customs. Where as people who smuggle firearms into the country go to extreme lengths to hide their efforts and products, coming up with new and clever ways which make it very difficult for customs to detect and keep on top of.


I can't see where I have typed that.
That was the impression I got from your post. Apologies if I misinterpreted it. :)

[Trent]

I remember when a whole pallet of MP Megs got held by Customs.

The dealer was ready to write the whole thing off, but they eventually got released.

I'd simply say that while I would appeal, you may have a hard time claiming ignorance when the toy was not allowed to be sold here originally anyway.

It may be a write-off, and you may be very lucky that confiscation is all that happens.

OP is talking about a G1 Meg's. not a MP.

[liegeprime]

"Wait...I still function! "

There's always a saying for every situation hehehehe
:p

[griffin]

Hey I'm not saying it's good that people may use replica's to hold someone up, if you knew my background then you would know I am more than well aware of the mental anguish of the threat of death perceived or real from any means.
I'm more pointing out the fact that customs are great at stopping toys and/or replicas which honest people will post through the mail, but not so good when it comes to stopping the real thing that is constantly used in Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne to kill people. God relax guys. Megatron was available all around Australia over the counter for years.

I knew that you weren't suggesting it to be good, which is why my post was general to everyone. (you were having a dig at the real guns entering the country)

Now, to be fair to Customs, they probably stop a lot of real guns too, and if it seems like a lot are still making it into the country, it would be because more real guns are being imported than toy guns. Plus, it would be inaccurate to assume that they are stopping more replicas, just because we hear more of them on this toys board. There are probably other websites that document seizures of real guns, that outweigh the number of reports of toy gun seizures. The "statistical filter" here affects the end results.
(a bit like using a phone-poll to gather data on demographics... which ends up preventing access to demographics that are too poor to have phones or homes)

[griffin]

OP is talking about a G1 Meg's. not a MP.

It still counts. Both are classed as replica weapons, and are equally illegal. He was just showing an example of the recent gun-former, to let Oilspill know what he's in for with his gun-former.

In other words, he needs to contact Customs to see if they still have possession of the toy, and see how long he has before they destroy it.

[Jetfire in the sky]

I knew that you weren't suggesting it to be good, which is why my post was general to everyone. (you were having a dig at the real guns entering the country)

Now, to be fair to Customs, they probably stop a lot of real guns too, and if it seems like a lot are still making it into the country, it would be because more real guns are being imported than toy guns. Plus, it would be inaccurate to assume that they are stopping more replicas, just because we hear more of them on this toys board. There are probably other websites that document seizures of real guns, that outweigh the number of reports of toy gun seizures. The "statistical filter" here affects the end results.
(a bit like using a phone-poll to gather data on demographics... which ends up preventing access to demographics that are too poor to have phones or homes)

Agreed :)

[BigTransformerTrev]

A tip for the future that I used. I had friends getting their Masterpiece Megatron's from Japan (the ones without the orange caps on the end of their barrels - that seems to be the issue. Like in America all replica guns need to have an orange cap on the barrel so that cops don't think kids have a real gun and shoot them by mistake) confiscated under the 'replica firearms' law. So when I got mine imported I had the sender Transform him into robot mode, and then send the instruction booklet and box separately. That way unless the immigration guy was a Transformers aficionado he wouldn't know the purpose of the toy robot. Worked a treat!


That old trick isn't as reliable as it used to be, because in 2007 Australian Customs worked out how to identify Megatron in robot mode (because that's how MP Megatron is packaged). Any Gunformers that may have slipped past Customs in robot mode since then may have been more due to luck I'd say.




A simple solution - G1 Megs could be held to be the approximate size of a small Barbie doll (perhaps shorter and fatter) - next time get him in robot mode, bung a dress on him, blue-tack some blond hair on his bonce and chuck him in an old Barbie box. Shove a fake sticker on the front saying 'Barbie/Transformers Crossover' and away ya go! Unless the customs guy wants to check under his dress to look at the size of his barrel it should all be golden ;):D

[UltraMarginal]

6 offences in 19 years. Yep, a real threat to our safety.
How many people were slashed with a knife? or a glass bottle?
Yet those actual weapons are legal.


It's unfortunate that people have used that in the past as an excuse to claim that replica weapons shouldn't be restricted or prohibited... without understanding how replica weapons are still able to achieve the same result of a real weapon in burglaries and muggings. (as a trained criminologist, I know that you need to be mindful of the mentality of an offender, to realise that a perceived threat can be just as effective as a legitimate threat)
Despite people not using them to kill or wound, the robberies they make possible leave people traumatised and often out-of-pocket of whatever was stolen. The ability to commit a serious offence, with or without violence, makes owning a replica weapon (toy or not) a big responsibility.

How would people here feel, if their Gen1 Megatron was stolen and you found out it was used to rob someone. What if that person died of a heart attack from the fright, or they were on a tight budget and couldn't afford to have money or possessions taken off them.
We may laugh at the thought of a Gen1 Megatron fooling anyone (in a well lit collection room), but when you are looking down the barrel of something that looks like a gun, in the dark, you don't ask if it is a real weapon or if it is loaded.
A replica weapon is the same as an unloaded real weapon - they still achieve the same result in a burglary/mugging as a loaded real weapon.


Doesn't matter. My wife works with someone that used to be a bank teller. The bank was robbed one day, they held a gun to her head, actually put the gun against her head! And demanded the money from the desk. While they were doing this, they were taunting her, calling her fat and saying that they'd be doing the world a favor if they shot her. These people were never caught.

After the police reviewed the footage they said that the gun put to her head was probably a replica. Do you think that matters to her? The trauma that she went through and nightmares and therapy sessions (which she still attends, a good 17 years after the event) should just magically have vanished with the realization that it was probably a replica?? Do you think I should tell her to get over it so you can get a Megatron toy a bit easier?

No. We have these laws for a reason. Yes, that reason is the f$&@%d up minority that ruin it for people like us. But to say that because it won't kill or wound anyone, therefore should be legal, is a rather narrow minded and selfish view.

This type of legislation is very frustrating for legit collectors, of toys or actual replica firearms. it's unfortunate that there are so many more gun related incidents occurring in recent months than I recall in the past.
The sad fact is that people importing illegal firearms aren't going to try doing it through legitimate channels like a collector would. and like mentioned above, they are more difficult to catch as a result.

This of course, makes the control of firearms replicas even more important given the increase of gun related Crime. As a replica becomes even more believable at a glance as a real gun if there are more actual shootings occurring.
My frustration is how toy guns are still available for sale in toy shops, especially cheap $2 stores. This negates any effectivity of stopping individual imports of "replica" firearms.

I hope you can work things out with your G1 Megs Oilspill, fortunately you live in WA so you probably have the least amount of red tape to sort through.

[snaketales]

Somehow I managed to get a G1 Megs posted to me from China.
It was part of the DOTM Transformers Chronicles box set that also had a DOTM Megatron and packaged the G1 Megs in robot mode - maybe both of those factors helped?

[GoktimusPrime]

A simple solution - G1 Megs could be held to be the approximate size of a small Barbie doll (perhaps shorter and fatter) - next time get him in robot mode, bung a dress on him, blue-tack some blond hair on his bonce and chuck him in an old Barbie box. Shove a fake sticker on the front saying 'Barbie/Transformers Crossover' and away ya go! Unless the customs guy wants to check under his dress to look at the size of his barrel it should all be golden ;):D
99% of guys have looked up a Barbie's skirt. 1% of blokes are liars. :p


Somehow I managed to get a G1 Megs posted to me from China.
It was part of the DOTM Transformers Chronicles box set that also had a DOTM Megatron and packaged the G1 Megs in robot mode - maybe both of those factors helped?
I'd say you got lucky, considering that Customs have known how to spot Megatron in robot mode since 2007. I personally wouldn't recommend using the old "send it in robot mode" method anymore. Best bet (for those of us living outside WA and SA) is either to acquire a permit, or if you live in a state where the toy is still illegal, contact your state's Police Ministry.

[Bidoofdude]

What about the other 1% of blokes?
If 1% are liars, then that makes them part of the 99%, since they still have regardless.:p

[1orion2many]

When MP Megs was first released I just went in and filled out the Replica Firearm documentation in a branch in Perth as that's where you'll need to go. The police were very helpful when I was there:)

[Oilspill]

The firearms division of the WA police emailed me the form, and I've just filled out the permit request and sent it in online.

Fingers crossed it gets approved.

I read something about a cooling off period of about 30 days from the time the application is submitted, hopefully that only applies to importing an actual firearm - not an imitation.

[Jetfire in the sky]

I hope you get your Megs mate, if you have gone through the correct processes even after it getting held at Customs I'm sure you will.

This thread has built up some good and passionate discussion, for those in the know I was just wondering where does the legislation stand on business type sellers such as Transfigurez selling Megs on Aus e-bay, I'm guessing they have the appropriate permits to import in bulk quantities but should not the law state that they can only sell to other's with the appropriate permit (if any) in the buyers state? The same with working firearms.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Transformers-Takara-CH-02-Chronicle-G1-DOTM-Movie-Megatron-MISB-/121042638421?pt=AU_Action_Figures&hash=item1c2eb41655

Surely a big e-bay seller like this is a registered business with an ABN etc. please correct me if I'm wrong and perhaps we have members on here who know or are part of Transfigurez.

[GoktimusPrime]

They would be legally allowed to sell it in SA and WA without any problem I imagine. I guess they could sell it in NSW and VIC provided that the buyer has a permit... but then I have NO idea if sellers have any legal obligation to view the buyer's permit before sale (like how a legal gun owner would have to produce his/her licence when purchasing firearms and ammunition). AFAIK they shouldn't be selling it to residents in states/territories where the toys are outright illegal though.

I have no idea how law abiding these businesses are... but if they choose to ignore the law, then they risk legal action taken against them if they get caught.

[Bidoofdude]

I always thought G1 Megs was fine, just MP-05 was the problem. Guess I'm wrong...:o:confused:



What about Megatron's MISB Megs?

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I always thought G1 Megs was fine, just MP-05 was the problem. Guess I'm wrong...:o:confused:



What about Megatron's MISB Megs?

G1 megs is more like a real gun than MP. MISB Megs are fair game, as long as they are guns. It's not the toy alone, it's the form (of course) so Browning (http://ephemera.tfwiki.net/wiki/Browning)for example would be tricky as well

[1orion2many]

I so want a Browning, I think if I got it from Singapore it would come directly to W.A or am I wrong?

[GoktimusPrime]

I always thought G1 Megs was fine, just MP-05 was the problem. Guess I'm wrong...:o:confused:
Nope, any Transformer that transforms into a realistic gun falls under the same category, unless it's severely undersized like Reveal the Shield Legends Class Megatron and Smallest Transforming Megatron.

So this means that unless you're in SA or WA, the following toys are either prohibited or outlawed in your state/territory:
+ G1 Megatron and all variants/reissues
+ Browning
+ Microman/Micro Change Gun Robos
+ eHobby Megaplex
+ Masterpiece Megatron


What about Megatron's MISB Megs?
Ssssshhhhhh!!! Besides... it's not like we've ever seen photos or anything. She could be lying for all we know. *cough**cough**cough*


G1 megs is more like a real gun than MP. MISB Megs are fair game, as long as they are guns. It's not the toy alone, it's the form (of course) so Browning (http://ephemera.tfwiki.net/wiki/Browning)for example would be tricky as well
They all fall under the same category of being restricted or outlawed in certain regions. I know someone in NSW who has a Browning and he keeps it in safe storage along with his G1 and MP Megatrons, and it falls under the jurisdiction of his permit.


I so want a Browning, I think if I got it from Singapore it would come directly to W.A or am I wrong?
It's not that big a deal for you. If Customs intercepts it they will seize it because they're a Federal body, but all you got to do is contact them and tell them that you're a WA resident and that this toy is perfectly legal in your state. Fill in a form, pick up the toy... then off you go. :) You guys got it EASY! :D

[Bidoofdude]

Nope, any Transformer that transforms into a realistic gun falls under the same category, unless it's severely undersized like Reveal the Shield Legends Class Megatron and Smallest Transforming Megatron.

So this means that unless you're in SA or WA, the following toys are either prohibited or outlawed in your state/territory:
+ G1 Megatron and all variants/reissues
+ Browning
+ Microman/Micro Change Gun Robos
+ eHobby Megaplex
+ Masterpiece Megatron
Didn't know that. Always thought it was MP-05. Ok I know now.


Ssssshhhhhh!!! Besides... it's not like we've ever seen photos or anything. She could be lying for all we know. *cough**cough**cough*
Oh yeah. She's known to lie here. *cough cough*
Luckily there's no proof...;)


They all fall under the same category of being restricted or outlawed in certain regions. I know someone in NSW who has a Browning and he keeps it in safe storage along with his G1 and MP Megatrons, and it falls under the jurisdiction of his permit.

I always thought that it only counted MP-05. I thought there were quite a few VIC guys on here with Megs? Probably kidding myself. ;)

It's not that big a deal for you. If Customs intercepts it they will seize it because they're a Federal body, but all you got to do is contact them and tell them that you're a WA resident and that this toy is perfectly legal in your state. Fill in a form, pick up the toy... then off you go. :) You guys got it EASY! :D

[griffin]

The laws cover "replica weapons" as a concept, not a specific item (or toy). Our politicians may be fairly useless with wasting resources, but they wouldn't waste time to create, and pass, a law that targeted a specific toy that was fairly limited anyway.

[Megatron]

Ssssshhhhhh!!! Besides... it's not like we've ever seen photos or anything. She could be lying for all we know. *cough**cough**cough*



Oh yeah. She's known to lie here. *cough cough*
Luckily there's no proof...;)



You're right... I lied. :(

;)

[Cat]

Griffin covered the meaning of my earlier post, nailed it.

Incidentally, I'm not aware of ANY incidents involving Chronicles Megatron being held by Customs. I'm not sure why that is, but I think it's easily overlooked due to the prominent movie branding.

I've got a good story about Customs. I know someone who ordered Mortal Kombat 9 for Xbox360. It was banned in Australia, and Customs were on the lookout for it.

He ordered it from a UK retailer. It arrived in the mail with the dreaded 'Opened By Customs' stickers all over it.

Game over, right?

Nope.

The seller had inserted a photocopy of the DVD cover of Toy Story 3 over the MK9 cover.

Even though it was opened and inspected by Customs, they still let it through, thanks to that (rather bad and obvious) photocopy of the Toy Story insert.

Almost had a heart attack though upon seeing the Customs tape!!

[Ploughmans Lunch]

Just got my partially disassembled Chronicle Megatron just now actually! I had an Encore seized last year and being in the ACT/hilariously lazy I just surrendered it to Customs. Hope they had fun doing whatever.

[GoktimusPrime]

Hope they had fun doing whatever.
They would have destroyed it (I think via incineration).

[Ploughmans Lunch]

They would have destroyed it (I think via incineration).

...that goes without saying maybe?

[Oilspill]

They would have destroyed it (I think via incineration).

I read something about customs Australia auctioning off a heap of unclaimed goods. But I guess that was probably for stuff that is not entirely prohibited, like large quantities of alcohol or maybe items that have to go through a quarantine period and were never claimed.

[Cat]

I read something about customs Australia auctioning off a heap of unclaimed goods. But I guess that was probably for stuff that is not entirely prohibited, like large quantities of alcohol or maybe items that have to go through a quarantine period and were never claimed.

Yeah, that'd rather defeat the purpose to stop the prohibited items from getting into the community and then... Releasing them into the community anyway.

:lol:

That'd make them like the regular police. ;)

[Oilspill]

Permission to import granted by the WA police - now to let customs know!

[Jetfire in the sky]

Great news mate :D:D

[Waxpython]

lucky when i came to Australia i had to give up masterpiece megatron kinda my fault though i had him transformed into a gun for easier storage man i should have sold him beforehand what was i thinking ? customs was debating whether to arrest me or shoot me on sight.

[Bidoofdude]

He's talking about a G1 Megatron. Owning an MP Megatron in Victoria is absolutely ILLEGAL. So is G1 in a way, but there's normally not as much fuss over it.;)
(And you might want to work on your spelling and grammar- Don't forget this a forum not texting- no offence or anything;):cool:)

[Waxpython]

No offense taken i just miss my edit button that's all.

[Ultra Mackness]

They're only illegal to own in Vic if you don't have a permit. Check the link in post #12 of this thread.

[GoktimusPrime]

And both MP and G1 Megatron are equally prohibited/restricted as each other. Your single permit covers both toys (and all other gunformers). Although, if it's like NSW you need to be 18 years old or older to get one (so you're gonna hafta wait a while, Bidoofdude :))

(don't be in a hurry to grow up - enjoy your childhood while you can!!! :D)

[griffin]

He's talking about a G1 Megatron. Owning an MP Megatron in Victoria is absolutely ILLEGAL. So is G1 in a way, but there's normally not as much fuss over it.;)


See post #45 - all replica weapons (guns, etc) are what the laws prohibit or restrict in some states... not specific items or toys.
If Customs were targeting a specific item (like MP Megatron when it came out), it would only have been an internal memo/alert to look out for a specific x-ray image, as that toy was in robot mode, and they don't open any package until it has been scanned, swabbed or sniffed first.

[Waxpython]

See post #45 - all replica weapons (guns, etc) are what the laws prohibit or restrict in some states... not specific items or toys.
If Customs were targeting a specific item (like MP Megatron when it came out), it would only have been an internal memo/alert to look out for a specific x-ray image, as that toy was in robot mode, and they don't open any package until it has been scanned, swabbed or sniffed first.

yeah sure maybe before 9-11

[Bidoofdude]

This has nothing to do with 9/11...
We have much better gun laws here in Australia, even if that counts replicas.

[Jetfire in the sky]

Customs laws dramatically became a lot stricter post 9/11 here in Oz and Worldwide, it is a sad legacy of what a bunch of crazy lunatics have left behind. Life was a lot more simple before that day :(

[Bidoofdude]

Yes, I suppose there would quite a bit of influence from that tragic event.:(

[GoktimusPrime]

Customs laws dramatically became a lot stricter post 9/11 here in Oz and Worldwide, it is a sad legacy of what a bunch of crazy lunatics have left behind. Life was a lot more simple before that day :(
^100% true. Before 11/9 you could make jokes to Customs officers... now it's an offence! I remember one time I was boarding an Ansett flight (aaah, remember them? :p) in the 90s, and the airport customs officer asked me if I had anything illegal on me. I was a smart-alec teenager at the time, so I said, "Yeah ya know, drugs, bombs, weapons... the usual." The Customs officer laughed out loud and said, "Yeah yeah, sure thing," and let me through. If you do that now you'd get arrested! :eek: (so don't do eet!)

[theshape]

Got my microman walther p38 to australia with no problems!

[DELTAprime]

Anyone know if the situation in Qld has changed over the past few years?

[5FDP]

We have the Port Arthur massacre (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Arthur_massacre_(Australia)) to thank for our current gun laws, more so than the events of 9/11.

[griffin]

Anyone know if the situation in Qld has changed over the past few years?

It's a bit vague in QLD, because from what I remember, you can get a permit for owning a replica weapon (based on the Firearms Act), but when I spoke to someone on the phone about gun-formers, they said it didn't matter because they were just toys. That person may not have known for sure though, as I'd be more inclined to think that the permit option would be true... and I really should follow up on that one day, especially with all the ones I own. (to protect myself from prosecution or having them seized)

[VERT]

This Megatron thing drives me insane! We have a shop near me in a large shopping center who sell all kinds of metal replica guns and old school revolves to automatic weapons. They can be cocked the triggers work. The ammunition clips everything! Spoke to them about it and they said they have no trouble importing them into NSW. Anyone can buy them.

But if we want a plastic transformers Megatron toy we get put through hell! What gives!

[Oilspill]

Dear Oilspill,

We have received the original B709A W13-067 police certificate for the seized goods.

Arrangements will be made to release the goods to you. If you have not been contacted in 21 days, please call the Customs Store on 02 9318 8720 and quote the DGMS number blah-blah.

Woo hoo!

[Trent]

Woo hoo!

Excellent. Great to hear!

[Megatron]

Congrats. Another Megatron arrives safely home. :)

[Ultra Mackness]

Some great news there Oilspill!